State Rep. Demetrius Atsalis has an important message for his constituents: he’s in it for the long haul.

One might think that has been proved by his running for re-election after 14 years of service, but Atsalis, who is being challenged in next month’s Democratic primary by attorney Brian Mannal of Centerville, also asks people to consider his overall track record.

Atsalis said his political beliefs were shaped during spirited conversations with family members around the dinner table while growing up in Barnstable. He said he has been an effective representative since initially becoming elected in 1999.

Since then, said the 1992 Barnstable High School graduate, he has worked to support senior services on Cape Cod, voted for and improved the Community Preservation Act, voted for gender identity rights legislation, and been a passionate voice for his constituents when on Beacon Hill.

He pointed to his endorsements by Mass Equality, NARAL Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and the Service Employees International Union of Massachusetts.

For Atsalis, serving his community is what motivated him to become a politician.

“I think of my grandfather, who was very giving,” Atsalis said. “In his grocery stores, he had boxes in the back full of food for people in need. Helping the people in need is a core Democratic value.”

Since his initial election, Atsalis has worked with and against fellow Democrats and Republicans, and said he does his best to maintain a cooperative atmosphere.

“I don’t work with them when we’re running for office,” Atsalis quipped.

Once elected, however, Atsalis said he and his fellow politicians “have a pretty good delegation that works well together right across party lines.”

Atsalis originally got involved in politics during a land dispute involving the Town of Barnstable taking properties near Barnstable Municipal Airport by eminent domain.

He was then encouraged to run for former Town Manager John Klimm’s seat when Klimm ran for sheriff.

“That got me going politically,” Atsalis said. “As long as that fire is still burning in my belly, I’ll stay in it.”

Atsalis said that he is somebody who is “in it to get the job done.”

In terms of issues facing his constituents, Atsalis said a top priority continues to be working with the State to ensure capital exists for the maintenance and improvement of roads, schools and services.

“Seniors are always a priority, also, because of where we live,” Atsalis said.

As examples of his dedication to his community, Atsalis offers a recent bridge repair project in Osterville for which he secured bonding, as well as the establishment of funding to mechanize lights and install additional lights and crosswalks on Route 28 alongside the Cape Cod Mall after recent accidents involving pedestrians.

In terms of the Cape’s wastewater issues, Atsalis said he feels the answer lies in betterment trust legislation that would allow the town to take a portion of hotel and motel taxes and utilize it to defray the costs of sewering.

Atsalis also feels that getting the federal government involved is crucial.

“We think as a delegation that the best way to take care of wastewater is to go after the federal government,” he said. “The taxpayers and the individual towns can’t afford the costs [of wastewater projects]. We don’t want this to become another Chesapeake Bay.”

Continuing to bring in funds from tourism is also important, Atsalis said, as it strengthens the local economy.

Atsalis said he understands the impact of the challenging economy on local families, and is grateful for his May to October job operating his family parking business on Ocean Street in Hyannis.

“You have to have a second profession to make ends meet,” he said.

Another issue that Atsalis remains steadfast on is Cape Wind, to which he is adamantly opposed.

“I’ve always been against it,” he said.

Such projects, Atsalis said, should be handled on a case-by-case basis such as that of the turbine at Country Gardens in Hyannis.

“Let each municipality decide,” he said.

A smarter location for the turbines than Horseshoe Shoal would be the Massachusetts Military Reservation on the Upper Cape, he suggested.

“It’s the highest point on Cape Cod,” Atsalis said.

Land-based alternative energy projects make more sense, in Atsalis’ opinion.

“I continue to be supportive of land-based projects,” he said. “But you have to look at it and see how it fits into the community.”

Atsalis says his main issue with Cape Wind, beyond the impact on the environment, is that the project won’t benefit his constituents, or anyone, on Cape Cod.

“That’s just a money-grabber,” he said.

Atsalis is concerned that his opponent isn’t as consistent regarding the issues as he is, citing Cape Wind as an example.

Atsalis said he’s dismayed by the campaign he feels his opponent is conducting.

“I’ve never seen a campaign like this,” he said. “This is a Republican-type campaign. His motto is ‘throw anything out there and see what sticks.’”

After more than two decades, Atsalis said he remains devoted to his constituents and the issues that face them.

“I’ve always been able to hear what’s been going on in the community and do something about it,” he said. “[My constituents] know how proactive I’ve been for 14 years. I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in.”